Visa on Arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport: Complete 2025 Guide
What is Visa on Arrival for Vietnam?
Visa on Arrival (VOA) is a convenient option for travelers entering Vietnam through international airports, including Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. Unlike traditional visa applications through embassies, VOA allows eligible travelers to obtain their visa upon landing in Vietnam, provided they have secured a pre-approved visa approval letter before their journey.
This service is particularly beneficial for travelers who don’t have easy access to Vietnamese embassies or consulates in their home countries, or for those making last-minute travel plans to Vietnam. The VOA process combines pre-arrival online application with in-person visa stamping upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport.
Eligibility for Vietnam Visa on Arrival
Not all nationalities qualify for Vietnam’s VOA program. Most travelers from Western countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and European nations, are eligible. However, it’s essential to verify your eligibility based on your nationality before planning to use this service.
Step-by-Step Process for Visa on Arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport
Pre-Arrival Requirements
Before flying to Vietnam, you must complete these essential steps:
- Apply for a visa approval letter through an authorized agency
- Fill out the application form with accurate personal information
- Pay the service fee for processing your approval letter
- Receive your visa approval letter via email (typically within 2-3 business days for normal processing)
- Print the approval letter to present upon arrival
Required Documents for Arrival
When landing at Tan Son Nhat Airport, ensure you have:
- Your passport (valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay)
- Printed visa approval letter
- Two passport-sized photos (4×6 cm with white background)
- Completed entry and exit form (Form NA1)
- Visa stamping fee in cash (USD)
Arrival Process at Tan Son Nhat Airport
Upon landing at Tan Son Nhat Airport, follow these steps:
- Proceed to the Visa on Arrival counter before reaching immigration
- Submit your approval letter, passport photos, completed form, and pay the stamping fee
- Wait for your name to be called (processing time varies from 15 minutes to over an hour during peak times)
- Receive your passport with the visa stamp
- Proceed to regular immigration counters for entry
Types of Visas Available on Arrival
Tourist Visa
The tourist visa is the most common type requested through the VOA process. Processing times vary based on urgency:
- Normal processing: 7-10 working days
- Urgent processing: 3-5 working days
Tourist visas are typically available for single or multiple entries with validity periods of one or three months.
Business Visa
Business visas require additional documentation and have slightly longer processing times:
- Normal processing: 7-12 working days
- Urgent processing: 5-7 working days
Business visas offer more extended stay options, including three-month and six-month multiple-entry options.
Emergency Visa Options
For travelers needing expedited processing, emergency visa services are available at premium rates:
- Super urgent: 1-2 working days
- Express: 4 working hours
- Emergency: 2 hours
- Weekend/Holiday: 30 minutes
Processing Times and Fees
Service Fee Structure
The VOA process involves several distinct fees:
- Service Fee: Paid to the visa agency for processing your approval letter
- Government Administrative Fee: Non-refundable fee that goes to Vietnamese authorities
- Stamping Fee: Paid directly at the airport in cash (USD) upon arrival
Fee Breakdown by Visa Type
Fees vary based on visa type, processing speed, and number of entries:
- Tourist single-entry (1 month): $25-45 service fee + $25 stamping fee
- Tourist multiple-entry (3 months): $35-65 service fee + $50 stamping fee
- Business single-entry (1 month): $45-85 service fee + $25 stamping fee
- Business multiple-entry (3 months): $65-120 service fee + $50 stamping fee
Urgent processing incurs additional charges ranging from $15-45 depending on the speed required.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Peak Season Delays
During high tourist seasons (December-January and July-August), the VOA counters at Tan Son Nhat Airport can become extremely busy, resulting in long wait times.
Solution: Consider using fast-track services or arrive during off-peak hours when possible.
Document Issues
Incomplete or incorrect documentation is the most common reason for delays or rejections.
Solution: Double-check all information on your application form before submission and carefully review your approval letter upon receipt.
Payment Complications
The stamping fee must be paid in cash (USD) at the airport, and no change is provided.
Solution: Bring exact amounts in clean, undamaged USD bills to avoid complications.
Fast-Track Services at Tan Son Nhat Airport
Benefits of Fast-Track Services
Fast-track services at Tan Son Nhat Airport offer significant advantages:
- Priority processing at the VOA counter
- Assistance from airport staff who speak English
- Reduced waiting time (typically 15-20 minutes versus 1+ hours)
- Guidance through the entire arrival process
How to Book Fast-Track Services
You can arrange fast-track services when applying for your visa approval letter through agencies like Vietnam-immi.org. The service includes:
- Airport representative meeting you upon arrival
- Assistance with completing forms
- Priority processing at the VOA counter
- Guidance to immigration and baggage claim
Fast-track services typically cost $15-30 per person depending on group size and are particularly valuable for first-time visitors, families with children, or business travelers on tight schedules.
Important Tips for Travelers
- Apply for your approval letter at least 7-10 days before travel during normal periods
- Double-check all personal information on your application (name spelling, passport number, etc.)
- Bring USD cash for the stamping fee (exact amount recommended)
- Arrive at least 3 hours before domestic connections if using VOA
- Consider using fast-track services during peak travel seasons
- Avoid booking non-refundable accommodations until your visa is secured
- Keep digital copies of all documents on your phone as backup
FAQs About Visa on Arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport
Can I get a Vietnam visa on arrival without an approval letter?
No. The approval letter is mandatory for the VOA process. Without it, you will be denied entry and may need to return to your departure point.
How long does the visa stamping process take at Tan Son Nhat Airport?
Processing times vary from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on arrival time, season, and number of passengers. During peak hours (early morning and late evening), wait times can exceed 90 minutes.
Can I pay the stamping fee with a credit card?
No. The stamping fee must be paid in cash (USD) at the airport. Credit cards and other currencies are not accepted for this payment.
What happens if there’s a mistake on my approval letter?
If you notice errors on your approval letter, contact your visa agency immediately. Corrections must be made before arrival, as mistakes can lead to entry denial.
Is Visa on Arrival cheaper than getting a visa from the embassy?
VOA is often more expensive than embassy applications due to service fees, but offers greater convenience and flexibility, especially for last-minute travel plans.
Conclusion
Obtaining a Visa on Arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport offers a convenient alternative to traditional embassy applications for eligible travelers. While the process involves pre-planning with the approval letter application, it provides flexibility for those making last-minute travel arrangements to Vietnam.
For the smoothest experience, apply well in advance, double-check all documentation, consider fast-track services during peak seasons, and arrive prepared with the necessary documents and cash for the stamping fee. With proper preparation, the VOA process at Tan Son Nhat Airport can be a straightforward start to your Vietnam adventure.
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